We all know a heavy
construction project such as the Columbus Crossroads project can generate a lot
of noise, dust and vibrations. And it doesn’t always happen at convenient
times, since portions of this project are pretty much a round-the-clock
operation.

Since we’ve had questions about this from you and
your neighbors, we wanted to get you some answers.

How will
the actual construction affect my neighbors and me?

In order to keep the I-71/670 Interchange
project on schedule, crews are working overnights and on weekends to remove old
bridges. That’s when traffic is at a minimum on local streets and highways, and
most of all it is safer for you and the construction workers

There
is much more to demolish in the next few weeks before reconstruction can begin.

Here
are a few examples

·You may hear a machine called a hoe-ram crunching away at old
concrete as it demolishes old pavement and bridge surfaces. Some of this work
occurs at night, but only when we have no other choice.

·Pile driving (sinking metal columns for bridge supports)
normally happens during daylight hours, so any noise will be heard during those
hours. Businesses and residences within up to 400-500 feet away could feel some
vibrations, although these vibrations are not damaging.

·Mining work on the underground micro-tunnel is also underway and
can generate considerable noise. Mining operations will
occur approximately half the calendar days between now and mid May. When
crews are mining, they will work 22 hours per day. The noise is mostly generated as the
mining slurry (a mix of water and materials) is cleaned and separated for
either recycling or disposal.

·Beginning on or about January 29th, 2012 crews will
begin demolishing the old I-670 East “flyover” bridge, which will take several
days.When construction begins on
the new flyover, there will be more heavy equipment and pile driving, which
usually means noise, dust and vibration. While Kokosing, the contractor, will
do everything it can to minimize noise and dust, some of it can’t be avoided.

How noisy will it be and what can we do
about it?

Demolition
and pile driving to build new bridge supports can be loud. Depending on weather
and wind conditions, noise can carry or seem louder.

Area
business and residences are advised to make sure doors and windows are shut to
minimize noise exposure. Relocating to interior rooms of the home or keeping
curtains closed will reduce audible noise. You might also consider turning on a
fan or similar device that creates “white noise” to minimize sounds from
outside.

Will there
be constant pounding?

There
will be times when workers will be welding the pile together to build bridges,
performing mechanical checks of equipment and changing operators. During
these times, noise from the operation may be notably reduced.

Please
also be aware that the vehicle back-up alarms you may hear are required by law
to protect the safety of those working in the construction zone. Noise like
back up alarms on trucks can be annoying but are safety features that save
lives and are required by law to help ensure the safety of the construction
workers.

ODOT
and Kokosing, the contractor, are working closely with the City of Columbus to
be respectful of the people who live and work in the area. That includes
coordinating with local churches to make sure construction zone noise and
vibrations don’t interfere church services or special events. Some noise and
vibration, however, cannot be avoided.

Please be assured that ODOT and Kokosing will continue
minimize noise to the extent possible. We will also continue to reach out
through our neighborhood visits and you can follow us on both Facebook and Twitter for updates.